How extreme heat is reshaping college football
An expert digs into the impact of extreme heat on college football fans and how universities can adapt to keep things safe and enjoyable.
College football, a cherished American tradition, draws hundreds of thousands of fans each weekend to campus stadiums. However, extreme late-summer heatwaves are poised to alter the fan experience, especially during the season's early stages. Escalating temperatures and humidity are already leading to safety disruptions and, in some instances, fan hospitalizations.
For instance, South Carolina's 2026 season opener saw its fourth quarter cut short by 10 minutes due to a record-breaking heat index of 110 degrees inside Williams-Brice Stadium. Emergency services and fire departments responded to over 700 heat-related incidents during this game. As climate change intensifies the frequency and severity of heatwaves, these issues are expected to become more prevalent.
The US Environmental Protection Agency reports that extreme heat events rose from two per year in the 1960s to ten annually between 2010 and 2020. Jonathan Casper, a professor at North Carolina State University, investigates how environmental and sustainability challenges affect the organization, experience, and practice of sports.
Casper examines the impact of extreme heat on college football fans and how universities can modify their practices to maintain a safe and enjoyable game-day atmosphere.
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